Chrysler Group LLC Responds to NHTSA Recall Letter
Auburn Hills, Mich. - NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) issued a recall request letter proposing that Chrysler Group recall the Jeep Grand Cherokee in model years 1993 to 2004 and the Jeep Liberty in model years 2002 to 2007 (a total of approximately 2.7 million vehicles).
Chrysler Group has been working and sharing data with the Agency on this issue since September 2010. The company does not agree with NHTSA's conclusions and does not intend to recall the vehicles cited in the investigation. The subject vehicles, it contends, are safe and are not defective. In a statement, it noted that, it believes NHTSA's initial conclusions are based on an incomplete analysis of the underlying data, but that it is committed to continue working with the agency to resolve the disagreement.
"The safety of drivers and passengers has long been the first priority for Chrysler brands and that commitment remains steadfast," said Sergio Marchionne, chairman and CEO, Chrysler Group LLC. "The company stands behind the quality of its vehicles. All of us remain committed to continue working with NHTSA to provide information confirming the safety of these vehicles."
Chrysler Group's position on this matter includes that the vehicles met and exceeded all applicable requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including FMVSS 301, pertaining to fuel-system integrity. Analysis shows the incidents, which are the focus of this request, occur less than once for every million years of vehicle operation. This rate is similar to comparable vehicles produced and sold during the time in question.
To view Chrysler Group's White Paper on NHTSA's Recall Request, visit http://media.chrysler.com/newsrelease.do?id=14371.
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